No plans to replace ‘unsafe and not fit for purpose’ Martinborough bridge

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

South Wairarapa District Council acting mayor Rob Taylor at the 114-year-old Waihenga Bridge.

The Waihenga Bridge on SH53 has closed multiple times this year, stranding locals and choking the local economy, but the Government has no current plans to replace the structure described as “dangerous”.

The bridge had closed twice in the last two weeks.

South Wairarapa acting mayor Rob Taylor is one of many, including a local MP, who say the bridge needs to be replaced now.

“It’s far more than just a flooding issue, which frequently closes that bridge” he said.

“It’s an overall resilience issue, and it’s about replacing a bridge that’s no longer fit for it’s purpose and is dangerous. The risks are known.”

A 2021 report previously disclosed by NZTA Waka Kotahi (NZTA) under the Official Information Act said as “major improvements are not economically justified”, a range of risks and service level deficiencies needed to be accepted.

Some of the risks listed included partial or total loss of the bridge in a flood or earthquake, the injury or death of a cyclist due to the width and length of the bridge, and “loss of a vehicle over the side of the bridge or impalement due to inadequate side protection and poor approach alignment, possible death of the driver”.

An NZTA spokesperson said on Tuesday extensive mitigation measures had been introduced since the 2021 report, and ongoing maintenance and inspection ensured the bridge was safe to use.

“Warning signs have been installed on its approaches to warn road users the bridge is narrow and to reduce their speed when cyclists are present.”

Additionally, formal flood response and bridge closure protocols included river level monitoring with defined closure thresholds – the bridge currently closes when river levels reach four metres high.

“This helps minimise risk and improve safety during bad weather events.The bridge is also approved for heavy vehicles, including high productivity motor vehicles,” they said.

A cracked pier on the 114-year-old Waihenga Bridge on SH53 just outside Martinborough

NZTA director - regional relationships Emma Speight said the agency appreciated the frustration and concern the community was experiencing after the weather had caused the bridge closures, but there were no current plans to replace the bridge.

“Following significant repairs undertaken between 2018 and 2020, the bridge has a remaining lifespan of 20 to 30 years,” she said.

“While closures due to flooding can and do happen, the bridge is in an acceptable condition and does not require immediate replacement. NZTA continues to maintain and monitor it.”

Speight said investment in new infrastructure needed to be weighed up against competing priorities around the country.

“Nationally, approximately 80 other bridges are ranked higher for replacement. Currently, there is no specific funding allocated in the national land transport programme for a new bridge over the Ruamāhanga River on SH53.”

A stock truck travels over the 114-year-old Waihenga Bridge outside Martinborough, which has closed at least five times so far this year.

Speight said replacement plans would have to be informed by regional and national transport plans, before being considered for future funding.

There remained scope for the council to make submissions as part of future regional transport planning discussions.

Wairarapa-based Labour list MP and former Minister of Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty described the bridge as “unsafe and not fit for purpose” and called for its replacement.

In a letter to NZTA on behalf of the South Wairarapa community, McAnulty said the bridge played a critical role in maintaining access to Martinborough and the surrounding rural community.

“Closures during periods of heavy or sustained rainfall and other adverse weather events continue to disrupt residents, businesses, emergency services and visitors,” he said.

“These closures can leave communities effectively isolated, and create significant challenges for those who rely on them.”

McAnulty said the case was clear to him.

“NZTA should commit to replacing the bridge.”

South Wairarapa councillor Chris Archer, chairperson of the district’s economic growth committee, described the bridge as “the single point of failure” for the local economy.

Archer estimated South Wairarapa’s combined economy to be worth more than $400 million annually from tourism and wine producers alone. This did not include income from the district’s substantial agriculture, fishery and forestry sectors.

“This is the only direct highway link between one of New Zealand's premier wine regions and the rest of the country,” he said.

“Every closure costs real money.”

A recent survey had disclosed more than $130,000 in direct losses reported by a small sample of Martinborough businesses for just one weekend, Archer said.

Wairarapa MP and Associate Minister of Agriculture Mike Butterick said he had spoken with South Wairarapa residents and the district’s mayor about the challenges the community faced when the Waihenga Bridge closed.

“Wairarapa locals have experienced a challenging year, with repeated significant weather events placing additional pressure on local infrastructure and contributing to the need for bridge closures and other disruptions. I understand how important this connection is for locals, and I will continue to listen to the concerns of the community and advocate for their needs,” he said.